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Tag: blepharoplasty

  • Exploring Penis Enlargement: A Comprehensive Guide

    In today’s society, conversations about body image often focus on women, but men face their own pressures too. One such topic, often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, is penis enlargement. This blog post focuses on demystifying the subject, providing accurate information and a healthy approach to understanding penis enlargement.

    Understanding Penis Enlargement

    Penis enlargement involves techniques to increase penis size, driven by personal or societal factors. Historically, methods ranged from risky procedures to dubious products, but today both natural and medical options exist, each varying in effectiveness and safety. A healthy approach requires consulting healthcare professionals, understanding risks and benefits, and setting realistic expectations. It’s about both physical and emotional well-being.

    Natural Methods for Enhanced Penile Function

    Many men look for non-invasive methods to enhance their size. Natural methods include lifestyle changes and specific exercises, which can be effective when done consistently.

    Lifestyle Changes

    A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can improve overall health and potentially enhance penile function.

    • Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals support vascular health, which is essential for penile health.
    • Regular Exercise: Cardiovascular exercise improves blood flow, which can enhance erection quality.
    • Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol: Both can negatively impact blood flow and erectile function.

    Medical Interventions for Penis Enlargement

    For those seeking more immediate or significant results, medical interventions are available. These range from non-surgical treatments to invasive surgeries.

    Before considering medical interventions for penis enlargement, it’s crucial that candidates are in good overall health. This is because medical procedures can pose risks, and being in optimal health minimizes potential complications.

    Non-Surgical Procedures

    Non-surgical methods include injectables and vacuum devices, which offer temporary improvements with minimal risks.

    • Injectables: Platelet-derived growth factor injections can increase girth and improve erectile function by utilizing the patient’s own blood, thereby minimizing side effects. These growth factors not only enhance collagen production but also promote the formation of new blood vessels and overall tissue repair. Widely used in other areas of plastic surgery, platelet-derived growth factors offer promising results in regenerative treatments.
    • Vacuum Devices: These penis enlargers create a vacuum around the penis, drawing in blood and causing an erection. They are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as platelet-derived growth factor injections.

    Surgical Options

    Surgical procedures offer more permanent solutions but come with higher risks and costs.

    • Penile Implants: These devices are surgically inserted to provide rigidity for erections. They are usually considered when other treatments fail.
    • Penile Lengthening Surgery: This surgery involves cutting the suspensory ligament of the penis, allowing it to extend further. It is a complex procedure with significant recovery time.

    Risks and Considerations

    Surgical options carry risks such as infection, scarring, and loss of sensation. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes with a qualified surgeon.

    Recovery Times: Comparing Non-Surgical and Surgical Procedures

    When considering penis enlargement treatments, understanding the recovery times involved with both non-surgical and surgical procedures is crucial for making an informed decision.

    Non-Surgical Procedures

    Non-surgical methods, such as platelet-derived growth factor injections, offer shorter recovery times and minimal downtime. Since this treatment uses the patient’s own blood, recovery is faster than surgical procedures. Side effects may include bruising, temporary swelling, mild discomfort, and very rarely, infection. Patients can even resume physical activities, including sex, just four hours after the procedure is completed.

    Vacuum devices need no recovery time as they’re non-invasive. Following injectable treatments, the use of vacuum erection devices is encouraged twice a day. Incorporating vacuum erection devices into the recovery process can help maintain the increased girth achieved by injectables.

    Surgical Procedures

    Surgical options require longer recovery. After penile implant surgery, swelling and discomfort last several weeks, with daily activities resuming in four to six weeks, and full recovery in a few months.

    Penile lengthening surgery has a longer recovery, with initial healing in several weeks and final results taking six months to a year.

    Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon and approaching the topic with a well-informed perspective can lead to better outcomes.

    If you’re considering penis enlargement or plastic surgery in Richmond, Va, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Kitto Plastic Surgery to discuss your options. Explore other cosmetic procedures for men to ensure you’re making safe and informed decisions.

  • How to Minimize Swelling and Bruising Following Labiaplasty

    Labiaplasty is a specialized cosmetic surgery designed to reshape or resize the labia minora and/or labia majora. Whether done for aesthetic reasons, discomfort relief, or both, this procedure requires careful post-operative care for optimal healing. Managing swelling and bruising is crucial to your recovery process, as it not only helps with comfort but also promotes faster healing. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to minimize swelling and bruising after labiaplasty surgery.
    For a detailed overview of the entire recovery journey, including what to expect at every stage of labiaplasty, be sure to read this comprehensive article.

    Understanding Swelling and Bruising

    The Body’s Natural Response

    Swelling and bruising are normal responses to surgical procedures. When tissue is cut, manipulated, or removed, your body sends fluid and white blood cells to the area to aid in the healing process. This influx of fluids causes swelling, while small blood vessels may break during surgery, leading to bruising.

    How They Are Related and Their Impact

    Swelling and bruising often go hand-in-hand. The bruising results from blood pooling under the skin, while swelling is due to fluid buildup. Both are natural but can be uncomfortable and may extend the recovery timeline if not managed properly.

    Tips for Minimizing Swelling and Bruising

    Adhering to these post-operative care tips can significantly impact your labiaplasty recovery timeline, helping to reduce swelling and bruising more efficiently.

    Proper Rest and Activity Management

    1. Rest is Crucial

    For the first week post-surgery, prioritize rest. Avoid standing for long periods and refrain from strenuous activities. Elevation can help reduce swelling, so consider lying down with your hips elevated using pillows.

    2. Gradual Return to Activity

    Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but avoid heavy lifting, running, or any activity that puts excessive strain on the pelvic region for at least 4-6 weeks.

    Diet and Hydration

    1. Stay Hydrated

    Drinking plenty of water helps to flush toxins out of your system, reducing swelling. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day.

    2. Anti-inflammatory Foods

    Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Fruits and vegetables like pineapple and leafy greens are also beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

    Prescribed Medication and Alternative Treatments

    1. Follow Medication Guidelines

    Your surgeon will likely prescribe medication to manage pain and inflammation. Follow these instructions carefully to stay comfortable and aid in the healing process.

    2. Cold Compresses

    Applying cold packs to the surgical area for 20-minute intervals during the first 48 hours can significantly reduce swelling and bruising.

    3. Herbal Remedies and Supplements

    Some patients find relief using natural remedies such as Arnica montana and Bromelain supplements, known for their anti-inflammatory and bruising reduction properties. Always consult your surgeon before starting any new supplement.

    What to Expect During Recovery

    Typical Recovery Milestones

    1. First Week

    Expect the most significant swelling and bruising during the first 3-4 days. Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses. Continue to rest and limit physical activity.

    2. Second Week

    Swelling will start to subside, and you may notice bruising beginning to fade. Light and nonstrenuous activities can be gradually reintroduced.

    3. Weeks 3-4

    As you continue to heal, most of the swelling and bruising should have significantly reduced. A follow-up visit to the plastic surgeon may happen around this time to assess your recovery progress and address any concerns you might have.
    You can start incorporating more daily activities but still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises as well as sexual activity.

    Signs of Complications

    While swelling and bruising are normal, watch out for these signs that may indicate complications:

    • Excessive bleeding or swelling that doesn’t improve
    • Severe pain not alleviated by medication
    • Signs of infection such as fever, redness, or pus drainage

    If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.

    Minimizing swelling and bruising after labiaplasty or labia reduction is essential for a smooth recovery. By following the tips outlined in this guide—proper rest, managing physical activity, staying hydrated, following medication guidelines, and using cold compresses—you can ensure a more comfortable and expedited healing process.

    Remember, patience and following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions are key. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

    For personalized advice and expert care, contact Dr. Kitto Plastic Surgery to book an appointment. Our team is committed to providing you with the best care and support throughout your recovery.

    For more insights on what you need to know before making a decision about labiaplasty, be sure to read this informative article.

  • The Ultimate Guide To Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

    The Ultimate Guide To Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

    As we age, the muscles around our eyelids get weaker, leading to sagging excess skin and fat around the upper and lower eyelid. The result is under-eye bags and smaller-looking eyes giving the face an aged, tired look.  In addition to making our faces look aged, sagging eyelids also impair sight and can make it difficult to perform tasks that require good vision. Eyelids can be restored to a more youthful appearance by performing blepharoplasty to give them a lift and restore a youthful appearance as well as correct sight problems.

    What is Blepharoplasty?

    Blepharoplasty is an operation performed by a plastic surgeon to correct defects in the eyelids. It is also performed to aesthetically modify the eye region of the face and sometimes to help with sight complications. The procedure corrects typical signs of aging affecting the eyes and the skin around them. These signs of aging include drooping eyelids, fatty deposits that make eyes look puffy, sagging or bags, and wrinkles under the eyes. This type of surgery will tighten and lift the skin to make the eyes appear more open as well as reduce excess fat.

    Patients can opt for upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. 

    Who Should Have a Blepharoplasty?

    Blepharoplasty is a good solution for those who are uncomfortable with their drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes, and fat deposits that cause their faces to appear aged and tired. If you are interested in this surgery you should be in the good physical condition and not have any eyesight problems.

    Blepharoplasty Techniques

    There are many different blepharoplasty techniques. Your surgeon should be able to come up with a customized solution for your particular problem by selecting a technique that is suited to your individual needs.

    Upper blepharoplasty, which is surgery of the upper eyelid, is done by incisions to remove excess skin and fat. A stitch is used to bring the skin together to create an eyelid crease.

    For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made in the lower eyelid and the surgeon removes excess skin and fat. The skin is then sewn back together to create a more refined, firmer look.

    If you would like guidance in deciding on either upper blepharoplasty surgery in Richmond, VA, or lower blepharoplasty in Richmond, VA, contact us for more information or continue reading our guide.

    How Do You Prepare For A Blepharoplasty?

    Before scheduling blepharoplasty, you will meet with a healthcare provider at our Richmond plastic surgery clinic.  This healthcare provider could be a plastic surgeon, an eye specialist, or a plastic surgeon specializing in surgery around the eye area. They will take your medical history and discuss your goals and expectations from the surgery. This information will help to decide your suitability for the procedure. When scheduling, staff will do a physical exam and eye tests to take measurements, check for injuries and test peripheral vision.

    What To Expect During The Procedure

    The first step is anesthesia.  The surgeon will decide whether to put you on general anesthesia or intravenous sedation based on consultation data.  An incision site is then chosen where the resulting scar can be hidden and blended into the natural eye contours. For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision is made in the eyelid crease; for the lower eyelid, the incision is made in the lash line or inside the eyelid. Fat deposits are then repositioned, muscles tightened and the extra skin is removed. The third step is closing the incisions by stitching or skin glue.

    What to Expect After The Procedure

    Blepharoplasty is minimally invasive and is performed as an outpatient procedure. You will spend some time in the recovery room being monitored for complications. You will then continue healing at home. Expect swelling, bruising, discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.  Use the medications that your surgeon will provide for pain and ward off infections.  A cool compress should help with the swelling. 

    Results are visible 7-14 days after your surgery. Bruising and swelling will lessen within two weeks and scars could take a few months to fade.

    Contact Us

    Are you considering upper and lower eyelid surgery in Richmond, VA? Contact us at our Kitto plastic surgery practice for a consultation.

  • Which Is Better—Brow Lift Or Blepharoplasty?

    Which Is Better—Brow Lift Or Blepharoplasty?

    As we age, areas of our face sag and droop, causing wrinkles, fine lines, under-eye bags, and more. A common area of concern for individuals is their eyes. However, there are many ways to address these concerns of appearing tired, sad, and angry. An upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or an eyebrow lift surgery can help make your eyes appear more youthful and awake. At Kitto Plastic Surgery, we offer both blepharoplasty and eyebrow lift surgeries, but each has its specific uses, and the one that is best for you will vary. Read more to determine which is right for you.

    What is an Eye Brow Lift Surgery?

    An eyebrow lift surgery is performed to remove excess fat and skin below the eyebrow. As we age, our brows tend to droop—creating a crease on the upper eyelid and, in some cases, obstructing our view. This drooping can cause you to appear tired, angry, or sad and force you to raise your eyebrows more frequently. When you lift your eyebrows regularly, your forehead and the area between your eyebrows can wrinkle and crease—creating an older appearance. 

    The goal of an eyebrow lift is to remove the excess skin causing these problems and give you a younger, more awake look. To do this, an incision is made directly below the eyebrow’s tail, and a strip of skin and fat is removed. Then, the surgeon will lift skin from the upper eyelid area and join it together under the eyebrow. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in-office with local anesthesia. 

    What is an Upper Blepharoplasty?

    In contrast to an eyebrow lift, an upper blepharoplasty is used to lift the upper eyelid. Similar to our eyebrows, as we age, our eyelids can droop and sag, causing us to appear tired and occasionally obstruct our vision. With an upper eyelid surgery, the skin of the upper eyelid is removed in a thin line on the eyelid. The remaining skin is then brought back together to create an eyelid crease. The result is a more awake and youthful eye appearance. 

    Upper Blepharoplasty vs. Eyebrow Lift Surgery

    As you can see, both an eyebrow lift and an upper blepharoplasty are used to treat tired, aging, and drooping eye appearances. However, the main difference between the two is the actual skin causing the problem. Those who proceed to get an upper blepharoplasty are actually struggling with drooping eyelid skin instead of drooping eyebrow skin. While those who get an eyebrow lift were struggling with eyebrow sagging. 

    In some cases, individuals struggling with their eye appearance actually are having problems with both their eyelid and their eyebrow. In these cases, an upper blepharoplasty and an eyebrow lift are appropriate. A board-certified plastic surgeon should be able to tell you which one is causing the problem and address it appropriately. 

    Kitto Plastic Surgery—Offering Eyebrow Lifts and Blepharoplasty in Richmond, VA

    Are you struggling with appearing tired, having an obstructed view, or drooping eyes due to your eyebrow or upper eyelid? Dr. Kitto may be able to help. Dr. Kitto is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in Oculoplastic Surgery and Facial Aesthetic Surgery. After carefully looking at your face and eye area, Dr. Kitto can accurately determine what is causing your problem and formulate a plan to fix it. She has helped numerous individuals gain confidence through her blepharoplasty and eyebrow lift surgery in Richmond, VA. 

    Contact us to set up a consultation today! If you’re considering plastic surgery in Richmond, VA, Dr. Kitto’s expertise can provide the solution you’re seeking.

  • EYELID SURGERY: Why it is the most demanding & popular cosmetic procedure.

    Whether it’s through aging, the slowdown of collagen production, or genetics, eyelids can begin showing our age by drooping or sagging. Eyelid skin is thinner than other areas of the face, so these changes tend to be more noticeable sooner.

    In addition to making us look older, drooping eyelids can impact vision and even impede daily tasks and activities. You don’t have to live with the signs or symptoms of aging skin, though.

    Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most common and in demand cosmetic procedures and continues to grow in popularity!

    A blepharoplasty often called an upper and lower eyelid surgery, is an outpatient procedure that removes excess fat, skin, and muscle that can gather above and below the eye. It doesn’t require overnight stays in a hospital, but you will receive specific after care instructions. Most patients can return to normal daily activities including strenuous exercise within 1-2 weeks.

    upper lid surgery in richmond, va

    Dr. Kitto is a leading plastic surgeon in Richmond, VA with years of experience completing eyelid surgery, she can help customize your treatment plan to see results from this in-demand procedure!

    If you have been considering a blepharoplasty, here are four reasons why the popular procedure may be right for you:

    1. Results are very customized.
    If you take a look at eyelid surgery before and after photos, you’ll notice that each client has a very unique result. Every face is different, and your procedure will be customized to you.

    To achieve targeted results based on your personal goals, your plastic surgeon will determine whether you should have upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or double eyelid surgery.

    2. The visual impact is substantial.
    Eyes are often one of the first features that our companions notice and the appearance of sagging brows, under eye bags, and drooping eyelids can create an older appearance.

    Lower Eye lid surgery Richmond, VA

    As our faces age, the thin skin around the eye loses the ability to bounce back through our expressions. This creates a loose appearance and showcases fine lines and wrinkles. Cosmetic eyelid surgery helps to alleviate these concerns – the removal of excess tissue can create a stunning before and after.

    3. Vision obstacles can be addressed.
    The deterioration of skin around the eyes can also create vision problems, such as a decrease in peripheral vision. Functional eyelid surgery can address these concerns.

    By removing excess tissue, upper and lower eyelid surgery restores the function of the eye while also providing a more open and smooth appearance.

    4. Eyelid surgery is universally helpful.
    Since our faces show our age sooner than we’d like, almost everyone is a good candidate for an eyelid surgery. Both men and women have enjoyed stunning results from the procedure.

    As long as you are in overall good health and do not have any serious eye conditions, the Kitto Plastic Surgery team can assist you with your eyelid goals.

    Whether you are looking to brighten a tired appearance, minimize under eye dark circles or “bags”, or lift skin that may be impairing vision, an eyelid surgery near you in Richmond, VA may be the best choice to reach your goals.

    If you would like more information about eyelid surgery with Dr. Kitto, or wish to schedule a online consultation, call us today at 804.294.1777.

  • Now treat your droopy eyelids and look years younger

    Age, like gravity, tends to pull things down. One keeps our feet planted to the ground, the other affects our body’s natural elasticity, causing saggy skin, droopy eyelids, and loosening over time. For many, the areas most impacted by this effect are eyelids. While we can’t bring these natural influences to a screeching halt, eyelid surgery—or blepharoplasty—is a perfectly valid way to sidestep those side effects and rejuvenate your skin.

    Interested in eyelid surgery or another cosmetic procedure? Get in touch with our office today to schedule a personalized consultation

    What Is a Blepharoplasty?

    Blepharoplasty, a cosmetic procedure that is performed to improve the appearance of droopy eyelids. Don’t be fooled by the term “cosmetic procedure.” While this surgery can be performed for aesthetic purposes, blepharoplasty is also used to help thousands of people see clearly. For these reasons, the procedure is commonly broken into two categories: functional and cosmetic.

    Blepharoplasty in Richmond VA

    Functional

    Over time, droopy eyelids can block a patient’s sight, including their peripheral vision. A functional blepharoplasty is used to repair or remove the excess eyelid skin that impairs a patient’s vision.

    Cosmetic

    Where functional eyelid surgeries correct a medical complication, cosmetic eyelid surgeries are performed for primarily aesthetic reasons—typically to provide patients with a younger appearance.

    How Does Blepharoplasty Differ From Other Procedures?

    Blepharoplasty is one of many procedures that can give the gift of a more youthful appearance, so it’s no surprise that there’s some confusion when it comes to this surgery and others. People may occasionally confuse blepharoplasty with a brow lift, or even with a facelift. The three surgeries are quite different, sharing minimal similarities.

    Facelifts

    A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that repairs the visible signs of aging in and around the face, including the neck. This surgery tackles more than just the skin around your eyes, targeting the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck instead.

    Brow Lifts

    A brow lift is used to reduce the appearance or prominence of wrinkles in the forehead and raise sagging brows that may be “leaning” over the eyelid.

    How Is the Procedure Performed?

    You’ll be happy to know that blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’re in and out in the same day. The surgery itself only takes a few hours, if that, but you’ll be monitored before and after to ensure success.

    Eye lid surgery procedure

    As we mentioned earlier, eyelid surgery removes excess skin, fat, and muscle that gathers above and below the eyelid, resulting in sagging brows, drooping lids, and under-eye bags. While genetics can cause these effects in anyone, they are primarily brought on by age.

    This procedure can be performed on upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both—it all depends on what you’re in need of and the treatment plan developed by the surgeon.

    Eyelid Surgery Recovery Tips & Risks

    There are inherent risks associated with any surgery. Those risks can be minimized by working with a board-certified plastic surgeon and following post-operative instructions carefully.

    To that end, here are a few general risks and eyelid surgery recovery tips to help you better understand the blepharoplasty process:

    Risks

    Typical complications include asymmetry, blurred vision, scarring, and numbness. Following pre-operative instructions and maintaining good relative health can help you avoid some of the rarer complications. If you notice any side effects outside the norm, contact your surgeon immediately.

    Recovery

    Good things come with time. While you may see bruising and swelling right after surgery, those side effects should dissipate within two weeks. We recommend ice packs to help numb the pain and swelling that immediately follows surgery. After a few days, a moist, warm towel may be used to help alleviate bruising.

    Most people return to normal activity about a week after eyelid surgery, but it may take weeks or months for your new appearance to come into focus. In the meantime, avoid rubbing your eyes, remember to use your prescriptions in full, and sleep at an incline for a few days following your procedure. Follow these eyelid surgery recovery tips to return to good health in next to no time.

    Ready to revitalize your look? Call us at 804-294-1777 or Schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons today to learn more about the benefits of blepharoplasty.